In the NBA Finals, the Indiana Pacers have a +3.3 net rating when Tyrese Haliburton is on the court and a -34.9 net rating when he is off. Not only is this proof that the Pacers need Haliburton on the floor as much as possible, but it could be what sends T.J. McConnell packing sooner rather than later.
It is difficult for the Pacers to neutralize the Oklahoma City Thunder's monstrous defense, especially when their star guard is on the bench. However, even so, McConnell should be able to run the point and make things a bit easier for Indiana. Through two games in the NBA Finals, he hasn't done that at all, and he is being exploited on both sides of the ball.
The Pacers will have some decisions to make in the offseason, especially as they look to have as much financial flexibility as possible while still signing Myles Turner to a new contract. There could be some odd men out in Indiana, and unless he steps it up the rest of the way, McConnell might be one of them.
T.J. McConnell is leaving a lot to be desired in the NBA Finals
Through two games in the NBA Finals, McConnell is averaging 10 points, 2 rebounds, 5 assists, and 1.5 steals. Additionally, he is shooting 9-for-13 (69.2%) from the floor during that span. Statistically, the Pittsburgh native looks fine, but it is clear that he is a massive downgrade from Haliburton (or even Andrew Nembhard, who could get more reps at point guard), especially against the Thunder. Furthermore, he is a -19 through two games.
McConnell still brings energy, but he is struggling to facilitate, which is a huge problem when Haliburton is on the bench. Additionally, while he was decent in the regular season, he clearly lost a step, and that is carrying over now in the NBA Finals.
The 33-year-old signed a four-year, $44.8 million contract extension that will kick in next season. While this is far from a bad contract for Indiana, they will likely look to shed as much salary as possible, especially if they still choose to avoid the luxury tax as much as possible. McConnell still provides value, but it could be in the Pacers' best interest to move on from him in the summer.
Fortunately for McConnell and the Pacers, there is still plenty of basketball remaining as the series heads to Indiana for Games 3 and 4. As the Pacers look to take a lead in the series once again and inch closer to their goal of winning an NBA Championship, they will aim to bring their A-game from here on out. While he is not their most important player, McConnell's role with the team is still a major one, and these next few games could be do-or-die for his Pacers career.